I took many astounding sunset photos on this trip to Maui
This photo was taken from the beach in Maui at sunset. Each night that my wife and I were here for our honeymoon, we made sure to soak in the sunset. Below you can see another photo that I took of the sunset from this same beach that includes one of the beautiful palm trees that lined the water's edge.
What's in a beach
Through the years I have taken many photos of sunrises and sunsets from the beach. This got me thinking, what makes the many different beaches that I have experienced. Some are made of very fine powdery sand that brushes off your skin with a gentle touch. Some are made of rocks and don't have much sand at all. Some are black, and some are red. Some are white, and some are purple! Let's find out what gives a beach its characteristics.
What makes a beach?
Beaches can be made from many different materials. They are typically made from: sand, gravel, pebbles, shingle, shells, or coralline algae. The structure and density of these materials is typically defined by the local wave action and weather. This will cause different textures, colors, and gradients to form.
Where do beaches form?
Most beaches are formed along the coast of oceans and seas. About one third of global coastlines consist of sandy beaches. Some beaches actually form on inland rivers and lakes. Rocky Mountain National Park even has a sandy beach along a lake that sits at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet!
Where do beaches get their color from?
White Sand: This is typically from quartz and limestone.
Light-colored sand: Quartz and iron combine to make this color.
Tropical white sand: This comes from calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is a component of coral and shells.
Pink sand: Originates from calcium carbonate and receives the pink hue from certain corals.
Red sand: Comes from the oxidation of iron from volcanic rocks.
Orange sand: This sand has large amounts of iron. It can also come from orange limestone, crushed shells, and volcanic deposits.
Green sand: Comes from the mineral olivine from volcanic fragments.
There is a lake with a sandy beach in the Rocky Mountains!
Did you know?
- The longest beach in the world is in northwest Australia, and it is over 140 miles long!
- The longest beach in the United States is Padre Island beach in Texas. It is 132 miles long.
0 Comments